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Peter Crouch singles out one Arsenal player for praise after win over Rapid Vienna

Will Butcher

Thu 3 December 2020 22:17, UK

Peter Crouch and Martin Keown have heaped praise on Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles, during coverage of Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Rapid Vienna – after the England ace was given a go in midfield.

The Emirates welcomed back fans for the first time since the first lockdown was enforced, and the 2000 strong capacity saw and Arsenal side cruise to victory – with four different players getting their names on the score sheet.

Alexandre Lacazette, Pablo Mari, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith-Rowe all scored for Mikel Arteta’s side, who booked their place in the knockout rounds of the Europa League, with a game to spare.

Maitland-Niles, 23, has played on both sides of the defence under Mikel Arteta but has hardly been used in his natural position of central midfield. He started alongside Mo Elneny, and drew praise from both Crouch and Keown.

Crouch said: “They’ve been fantastic in the Europa League. There was some good performances tonight, I thought Maitland-Niles was fantastic in midfield. I really like him in there.”

Keown said: “Maitland-Niles is another player that impressed me. It looked so easy for him, he has other gears to go through. He’s played in different positions, but he’s ready to launch himself into that slot. He played with a cigar.”

TBR’s view – Can Maitland-Niles throw his name into midfield hat?

The Gunners have enormous competition in the middle of the park – especially after the return of Dani Ceballos and the signing of Thomas Partey. Granit Xhaka and Joe Willock also provide competition in that role.

Yes, it was a weak Rapid Vienna side, but you can only play what is in front of you. Judging on Thursday night’s performance, Maitland-Niles is certainly in with a shout of nabbing a place in that position.